CHAPTER 54 SOME APPLICATIONS OF DIFFERENTIATION

EXERCISE 230 Page 625

1. An alternating current, i amperes, is given by i = 10 sin 2πft, where f is the frequency in hertz and t

the time in seconds. Determine the rate of change of current when t = 20 ms, given that f = 150 Hz.

Current, i = 10 sin 2πft

di
ft (10)(2π ×150) cos [ 2π ×150 × 20 ×10−3 ]
Rate of change of current, = (10)(2π f ) cos 2π=
dt
= 3000π cos 6π = 3000π A/s

2. The luminous intensity, I candelas, of a lamp is given by I = 6 × 10–4 V2, where V is the voltage.

Find (a) the rate of change of luminous intensity with voltage when V = 200 volts, and (b) the

voltage at which the light is increasing at a rate of 0.3 candelas per volt.

(a) The rate of change of luminous intensity with voltage,

dI
= (6 ×10−4 ) ( 2 × 200 ) = 0.24 cd / V
(6 ×10−4 )(2V ) =
dV

dI
(b) = (6 ×10−4 )(2V ) hence, 0.3 = (6 ×10−4 )(2V )
dV

0.3
from which, voltage, V = = 250 V
6 ×10−4 × 2

3. The voltage across the plates of a capacitor at any time t seconds is given by v = Ve–t/CR, where V,

C and R are constants. Given V = 300 volts, C = 0.12 × 10–6 farads and R = 4 × 106 ohms, find

(a) the initial rate of change of voltage, and (b) the rate of change of voltage after 0.5 s.

−
t dv  1  − CRt
(a) If v = V e CR , then = V − e
dt  CR 
dv  1  0
= (300)  −
Initial rate of change of voltage, (i.e. when t = 0), e
dt  0.12 ×10 × 4 ×10 
−6 6

928 © 2014, John Bird

 300
=– = –625 V/s
0.48
dv  V  − t 300 − 0.5
(b) When t = 0.5 s, =−  e CR =
− e 0.48 = –220.5 V/s
d t  CR  0.48

4. The pressure p of the atmosphere at height h above ground level is given by p = p 0 e–h/c, where p 0
is

the pressure at ground level and c is a constant. Determine the rate of change of pressure with

height when p 0 = 1.013 × 105 pascals and c = 6.05 × 104 at 1450 metres.

h
−
Pressure, p = p0 e c

dp  1 −h   1 1450

= ( p0 )  − e c  = (1.013 ×105 )  −
−
Rate of change of pressure with height, e 6.05×104 
dh  c   6.05 ×10 4

= –1.635 Pa/m

5. The volume, v cubic metres, of water in a reservoir varies with time t, in minutes. When a valve

is opened the relationship between v and t is given by: v = 2 ×104 − 20t 2 − 10t 3 . Calculate the rate

of change of water volume at the time when t = 3 minutes.

Volume of water, v = 2 × 104 − 20t 2 − 10t 3

dv
The rate of change of water volume, =−
0 40t − 30t 2
dt

dv
When t = 3 min, =
−40(3) − 30(3) 2 = –120 – 270 = –390 m3 /min
dt

929 © 2014, John Bird

EXERCISE 231 Page 628

1. A missile fired from ground level rises x metres vertically upwards in t seconds and
25 2
x = 100t – t . Find (a) the initial velocity of the missile, (b) the time when the height of the
2
missile is a maximum, (c) the maximum height reached, (d) the velocity with which the missile

strikes the ground.

25 2
(a) Distance,=x 100t − t
2
dx
Initial velocity, (i.e. when t = 0), = 100 − 25t = 100 − 25(0) = 100 m/s
dt
dx
(b) When height is a maximum, velocity = 0, i.e. = 100 − 25t = 0
dt
from which, 100 = 25t and time t = 4 s

25 2
(c) When t = 4 s, maximum height, x = 100(4) − (4) =
400 − 200 = 200 m
2
25 2
(d) When x = 0 (i.e. on the ground), =0 100t − t
2
 25 
i.e. t 100 − t  =
0
 2 
25 25
Hence, either t = 0 (at the start) or =
100 − t 0 =
i.e. 100 t
2 2
200
and t= =8s
25
dx dx
Velocity, i.e. , when t = 8 s is given by = 100 – 25t = 100 – 25(8)
dt dt
= 100 – 200 = –100 m/s (negative indicating
reverse direction to the starting velocity)

2. The distance s metres travelled by a car in t seconds after the brakes are applied is given by

s = 25t – 2.5t2. Find (a) the speed of the car (in km/h) when the brakes are applied, and (b) the

distance the car travels before it stops.

930 © 2014, John Bird

 ds
(a) Distance, s = 25t – 2.5t2. Hence, velocity, v = = 25 – 5t
dt

At the instant the brakes are applied, time = 0

25 × 60 × 60
Hence, velocity, v = 25 m/s = km/h = 90 km/h
1000

(b) When the car finally stops, the velocity is zero

i.e. v = 25 – 5t = 0, from which, 25 = 5t, giving t = 5 s

Hence the distance travelled before the car stops is given by:

s = 25t – 2.5t2 = 25(5) – 2.5(5)2 = 125 – 62.5 = 62.5 m

3. The equation θ = 10π + 24t – 3t2 gives the angle θ, in radians, through which a wheel turns in t

seconds. Determine (a) the time the wheel takes to come to rest, and (b) the angle turned through in

the last second of movement.

Angle, θ = 10π + 24t − 3t 2

dθ
(a) When the wheel comes to rest, angular velocity = 0, i.e. =0
dt
dθ
Hence, = 24 − 6t = 0 from which, time, t = 4 s
dt
(b) Distance moved in the last second of movement = (distance after 4 s) – (distance after 3 s)

= [10π + 24(4) − 3(4) 2 ] – [10π + 24(3) − 3(3) 2 ]

= [10π + 96 − 48] – [10π + 72 − 27]

= 96 – 48 –72 + 27 = 3 rad

4. At any time t seconds the distance x metres of a particle moving in a straight line from a fixed

point is given by: x = 4t + ln (1 – t). Determine (a) the initial velocity and acceleration, (b) the

velocity and acceleration after 1.5 s, (c) the time when the velocity is zero.

(a) Distance, x = 4t + ln(1 – t)

dx 1
(−1) = 4 − (1 − t )
−1
Velocity, v = =4+
dt 1− t
931 © 2014, John Bird
 1
Initial velocity, i.e. when t = 0, v = 4 − = 3 m/s
1

d2 x 1
Acceleration, a = =(1 − t ) −2 (−1) =−
d t2 (1 − t ) 2

1
Initial acceleration, i.e. when t = 0, a = − = –1 m/s 2
1

1 1 1
(b) After 1.5 s, velocity, v = 4 − =
4− =
4− =
4 + 2 = 6 m/s
(1 − t ) (1 − 1.5) (−0.5)
1 1 1 1
and acceleration, a = − =
− =
− =
− = –4 m/s 2
(1 − t ) 2 (1 − 1.5) 2 (−0.5) 2 0.25

1 1
(c) When the velocity is zero, 4 − =
0 i.e. 4=
(1 − t ) (1 − t )

i.e. 4 – 4t = 1 and 4 – 1 = 4t

3
from which, time, t = s
4

t
5. The angular displacement θ of a rotating disc is given by: θ = 6 sin , where t is the time in
4
seconds. Determine (a) the angular velocity of the disc when t is 1.5 s, (b) the angular acceleration

when t is 5.5 s and (c) the first time when the angular velocity is zero.

t
(a) Angular displacement, θ = 6 sin rad
4
dθ 1 t t
Angular velocity ω = = (6)  cos  = 1.5 cos rad/s
dt 4 4 4
1.5
When time t = 1.5 s, ω = 1.5 cos = 1.40 rad/s
4
d2 θ  1 t t
(b) Angular acceleration, α = = (1.5)  − sin  =
− 0.375sin rad/s 2
d t2  4 4 4
5.5
When time t = 5.5 s, α = − 0.375sin = –0.37 rad/s2
4
t
(c) When the angular acceleration is zero, 1.5 cos =0
4
t t π
from which, cos =0 i.e. = cos −1 0 =
4 4 2
932 © 2014, John Bird
 π
i.e. time, t = 4 × = 6.28 s
2

20t 3 23t 2
6. x = – + 6t + 5 represents the distance, x metres, moved by a body in t seconds.
3 2
Determine (a) the velocity and acceleration at the start, (b) the velocity and acceleration when

t = 3 s, (c) the values of t when the body is at rest, (d) the value of t when the acceleration is

37 m/s2, and (e) the distance travelled in the third second.

20t 3 23t 2
(a) Distance, x = – + 6t + 5
3 2

dx
Velocity, v = = 20t 2 − 23t + 6 m/s. At the start, t = 0, hence v 0 = 6 m/s
dt

d2 x
Acceleration, a = = 40t − 23 m/s 2 . At the start, t = 0, hence a 0 = –23 m/s 2
d t2

dx
(b) When t = 3 s, velocity, v = = 20(3) 2 − 23(3) + 6 = 180 – 69 + 6 = 117 m/s
dt

d2 x
and acceleration, a = = 40(3) − 23 = 120 – 23 = 97 m/s 2
d t2

(c) When the body is at rest, velocity, v = 0 i.e. 20t 2 − 23t + 6 =0

( −23)
2
− − 23 ± − 4(20)(6) 23 ± 49 23 ± 7
Using the quadratic formula, time, t = = =
2(20) 40 40

30 16 3 2
= or = s or s
40 40 4 5

(d) When the acceleration is 37 m/s2, then 37 = 40t – 23

i.e. 37 + 23 = 40t

60 1
i.e. 60 = 40t and time, t = = 1 s or 1.5 s
40 2

(e) Distance travelled in third second = (distance travelled after 3 s) – (distance travelled after 2 s)

 20(3)3 23(3) 2   20(2)3 23(2) 2 

= − + 6(3) + 5  −  − + 6(2) + 5 
 3 2   3 2 

933 © 2014, John Bird

 1 1 1
= 99 – 24 = 75 m
2 3 6

7. A particle has a displacement s given by: s = 30t + 27t 2 − 3t 3 metres, where time t is in seconds.

Determine the time at which the acceleration will be zero.

Displacement, s = 30t + 27t 2 − 3t 3 m

ds
Velocity, v = =30 + 54t − 9t 2 m/s
dt

d2 s
Acceleration, a = = 54 − 18t
d t2

When acceleration is zero, 54 – 18t = 0 from which, 54 = 18t

54
and time, t = =3s
18

934 © 2014, John Bird

EXERCISE 232 Page 632

1. Find the turning point(s) and distinguish between them: y = x2 – 6x

dy
Since y = x2 – 6x then = 2 x − 6 = 0 for a turning point
dx

i.e. 2x = 6 and x = 3

When x = 3, y = x2 – 6x = 32 – 6(3) = 9 – 18 = –9

Hence, (3, –9) are the coordinates of the turning point

d2 y
= 2 , which is positive, hence a minimum occurs at (3, –9)
d x2

2. Find the turning point(s) and distinguish between them: y = 8 + 2x – x2

dy
Since y = 8 + 2x – x2 then =2 − 2 x =0 for a turning point
dx

i.e. 2 = 2x and x = 1

When x = 1, y=
8 + 2(1) − (1) 2 = 8 + 2 – 1 = 9

Hence, (1, 9) are the coordinates of the turning point

d2 y
= −2 , which is negative, hence a maximum occurs at (1, 9)
d x2

3. Find the turning point(s) and distinguish between them: y = x2 – 4x + 3

dy
Since y = x2 – 4x + 3 then = 2 x − 4 = 0 for a turning point
dx

i.e. 2x = 4 and x = 2

When x = 2, y = 22 – 4(2) + 3 = 4 – 8 + 3 = –1

Hence, (2, –1) are the coordinates of the turning point

d2 y
= 2 , which is positive, hence a minimum occurs at (2, –1)
d x2

935 © 2014, John Bird

4. Find the turning point(s) and distinguish between them: y = 3 + 3x2 – x3

dy
Since y = 3 + 3x2 – x3 then =6 x − 3 x 2 =0 for a turning point
dx

i.e. 3x(2 – x) = 0 from which, 3x = 0 or 2 – x = 0

i.e. x = 0 or x = 2

When x = 0, y = 3 + 3(0)2 – (0)3 = 3

When x = 2, y = 3 + 3(2)2 – (2)3 = 3 + 12 – 8 = 7

Hence, (0, 3) and (2, 7) are the coordinates of the turning points

d2 y d2 y
= 6 − 6 x When x = 0, is positive, hence a minimum occurs at (0, 3)
d x2 d x2
d2 y
When x = 2, is negative, hence a maximum occurs at (2, 7)
d x2

5. Find the turning point(s) and distinguish between them: y = 3x2 – 4x + 2

dy
Since y = 3x2 – 4x + 2 then = 6 x − 4 = 0 for a turning point
dx

4 2
i.e. 6x = 4 and x = =
6 3

2
2 2 2 4 8 2
When x = , y = 3  − 4   + 2 = − + 2 =
3 3 3 3 3 3

2 2
Hence,  ,  are the coordinates of the turning point
3 3
d2 y 2 2
= 6 , which is positive, hence a minimum occurs at  , 
d x2 3 3

6. Find the turning point(s) and distinguish between them: x = θ(6 – θ)

x = θ (6 − θ ) = 6θ − θ 2
dx
=6 − 2θ =0 for a turning point, from which, θ=3
dθ

936 © 2014, John Bird

When θ = 3, x = 6θ − θ 2 = 6(3) − 32 = 18 − 9 = 9
Hence, (3, 9) are the coordinates of the turning point
d2 x
= −2 , which is negative, hence a maximum occurs at (3, 9)
dθ 2

7. Find the turning point(s) and distinguish between them: y = 4x3 + 3x2 – 60x – 12

y = 4 x3 + 3 x 2 − 60 x − 12
dy
= 12 x 2 + 6 x − 60= 0 for a turning point
dx

i.e. 2 x 2 + x − 10 =0 i.e. (2x + 5)(x – 2) = 0

from which, 2x + 5 = 0 i.e. x = –2.5

and x–2=0 i.e. x=2

When x = –2.5, y = 4(−2.5)3 + 3(−2.5) 2 − 60(−2.5) − 12 = 94.25

When x = 2, y=
4(2)3 + 3(2) 2 − 60(2) − 12 =
−88

Hence, (–2.5, 94.25) and (2, –88) are the coordinates of the turning points

d2 x d2 x
= 24 x + 6 When x = –2.5, is negative, hence (–2.5, 94.25) is a maximum point
dθ 2 dθ 2

d2 x
When x = 2, is positive, hence (2, –88) is a minimum point
dθ 2

8. Find the turning point(s) and distinguish between them: y = 5x – 2 ln x.

dy 2
Since y = 5x – 2 ln x then =5 − =0 for a turning point
dx x
2 2
i.e. 5= and x= = 0.4
x 5
When x = 0.4, y = 5(0.4) – 2 ln 0.4 = 3.8326

Hence, (0.4000, 3.8326) are the coordinates of the turning point

dy 2 d2 y 2 d2 y
=5 − =5 − 2 x −1 hence = 2=x −2 and when x = 0.4 is positive, hence a
dx x d x2 x2 d x2

minimum occurs at (0.4000, 3.8326)

937 © 2014, John Bird

9. Find the turning point(s) and distinguish between them: y = 2x – ex

dy
=
y 2x − ex hence, =2 − e x =0 for a turning point
dx

i.e. 2 = ex and x = ln 2 = 0.6931

When x = 0.6931, y=
2(0.6931) − e0.6931 =
−0.6137

Hence, (0.6931, –0.6137) are the coordinates of the turning point

d2 y d2 y
= − ex When x = 0.6931, is negative, hence (0.6931, –0.6137) is a maximum point
d x2 d x2

t2
10. Find the turning point(s) and distinguish between them: y = t3 – – 2t + 4
2

t2
y = t3 – – 2t + 4
2
dy
= 3t 2 − t − 2= 0 for a turning point
dt

i.e. (3t + 2)(t – 1) = 0

2
from which, 3t + 2 = 0 i.e. 3t = –2 and t = −
3
and t–1=0 i.e. t=1
2
 2
3 − 
2  2  3  2 22
When t = − , y = −  − − 2  −  + 4 =4
3  3 2  3 27

(1)
2

When t = 1, y= (1) 3 − − 2(1) + 4= 2.5

2

 2 22 
Hence,  − , 4  and (1, 2.5) are the coordinates of the turning points
 3 27 

d2 y 2 d2 y  2 22 
= 6t − 1 When x = − , is negative, hence  − , 4  is a maximum point
d t2 3 d t2  3 27 

d2 x
When x = 1, is positive, hence (1, 2.5) is a minimum point
dθ 2

938 © 2014, John Bird

 1
11. Find the turning point(s) and distinguish between them: x = 8t +
2t 2

1 1 dx
Since x = 8t + = 8t + t −2 then =8 − t −3 =0 for a turning point
2t 2 2 dt

1 1 1 1 1
i.e. 8– =0 i.e. 8= and t3 = and t= 3 = or 0.5
t3 t3 8 8 2
1
When t = 0.5, x = 8(0.5) + =6
2(0.5) 2

Hence, (0.5, 6) are the coordinates of the turning point

dx d2 y 3 d2 y
= 8 − t −3 hence = 3=t −4 and when x = 0.5 is positive, hence a minimum occurs
dt d x2 t4 d x2

at (0.5, 6)

12. Determine the maximum and minimum values on the graph y = 12 cos θ – 5 sin θ in the range

θ = 0 to θ = 360°. Sketch the graph over one cycle showing relevant points.

y = 12 cos θ – 5 sin θ

dy
−12sin θ − 5cos θ =
= 0 for a maximum or minimum value
dθ

sin θ 5 5
i.e. –12 sin θ = 5 cos θ from which, = − i.e. tan θ = −
cos θ 12 12

 5
Hence, =θ tan −1  −  = –22.62°
 12 

Tangent is negative in the 2nd and 4th quadrants as shown in the diagram below

Hence, θ = 180° – 22.62° = 157.38° and 360° – 22.62° = 337.38°

When θ = 157.38°, y = 12 cos 157.38° – 5 sin 157.38° = –13

939 © 2014, John Bird

When θ = 337.38°, y = 12 cos 337.38° – 5 sin 337.38° = 13

Hence, (157.38°, –13) and (337.38°, 13) are the coordinates of the turning points

d2 y
−12 cos θ + 5sin θ
=
d x2

d2 y
When θ = 157.38°, is positive, hence (157.38°, –13) is a minimum point
d x2
d2 y
When θ = 337.38°, is negative, hence (337.38°, 13) is a maximum point
d x2
A sketch of y = 12 cos θ – 5 sin θ is shown below. (When y = 0, 12 cos θ – 5 sin θ = 0 and

sin θ 12
12 cos θ = 5 sin θ; hence, = from which, tan θ = 2.4 and θ = tan −1 2.4
= 67.4° and
cos θ 5
247.4°; also, at θ = 0, y = 12 cos 0 – 5 sin 0 = 12)

2 2
13. Show that the curve y = (t – 1)3 + 2t(t – 2) has a maximum value of and a minimum value of
3 3
–2

2 2
y= (t − 1)3 + 2t (t − 2) = (t − 1)3 + 2t 2 − 4t
3 3

dy
= 2(t − 1) 2 + 4t − 4 = 0 for a turning point
dx

i.e. 2 ( t 2 − 2t + 1) + 4t − 4 =0

i.e. 2t 2 − 4t + 2 + 4t − 4 =0
940 © 2014, John Bird
i.e. 2t 2 − 2 =0 from which, t2 = 1 and t = ±1

2
When t = 1, y =(1 − 1)3 + 2(1 − 2) =−2
3

2 16 2
When t = –1, y = (−1 − 1)3 + 2(−1)(−1 − 2) =− + 6 =
3 3 3

d2 y d2 y
= 4(t − 1) + 4 When t = 1, is positive, hence (1, –2) is a minimum point
d t2 d t2

d2 y  2
When t = –1, is negative, hence  −1,  is a maximum point
d t2  3

2 2
Hence, the maximum value of y = (t − 1)3 + 2t (t − 2) is and the minimum value is –2
3 3

941 © 2014, John Bird

EXERCISE 233 Page 635

1. The speed v of a car (in m/s) is related to time t s by the equation v = 3 + 12t – 3t2. Determine the

maximum speed of the car in km/h.

Speed, v =+
3 12t − 3t 2

dv
= 12 − 6t = 0 for a maximum value, from which, 12 = 6t and t = 2 s
dt

When t = 2, v =3 + 12(2) − 3(2) 2 =3 + 24 − 12 = 15 m/s

d2 v
= −6 , which is negative, hence indicating that v = 15 m/s is the maximum speed
d t2

60 × 60 s/h
15 m/s = 15m/s × =
15 × 3.6 = 54 km/h = maximum speed
1000 m/km

2. Determine the maximum area of a rectangular piece of land that can be enclosed by 1200 m of
fencing.

Let the dimensions of the rectangular piece of land be x and y. Then the perimeter of the rectangle is

(2x + 2y). Hence 2x + 2y = 1200 or x + y = 600 (1)

Since the rectangle is to enclose the maximum possible area, a formula for area A must be obtained in

terms of one variable only.

Area A = xy. From equation (1), x = 600 – y

Hence, area A = (600 – y)y = 600y – y2

dA
= 600 – 2y = 0 for a turning point, from which, y = 300 m
dy
d2 A
= –2, which is negative, giving a maximum point
d y2
When y = 300 m, x = 300 m, from equation (1)

Hence the length and breadth of the rectangular area are each 300 m, i.e. a square gives

the maximum possible area. When the perimeter of a rectangle is 1200 m, the maximum possible

area is 300 × 300 = 90 000 m2

942 © 2014, John Bird

3. A shell is fired vertically upwards and its vertical height, x metres, is given by: x = 24t – 3t2, where

t is the time in seconds. Determine the maximum height reached.

Height, x = 24t – 3t 2

dx
= 24 − 6t = 0 for a maximum value, from which, 24 = 6t and t = 4 s
dt

d2 x
= −6 , which is negative – hence a maximum value
d t2

Maximum height = 24(4) – 3(4) 2 = 96 – 48 = 48 m

4. A lidless box with square ends is to be made from a thin sheet of metal. Determine the least area of

the metal for which the volume of the box is 3.5 m3

A lidless box with square ends is shown in the diagram below, having dimensions x by x by y.

Volume of box, V = x 2 y = 3.5 m3 (1)

 3.5 
Area of metal, A = 2 x 2 + 3 xy = 2 x 2 + 3 x   from equation (1)
 x2 

i.e. A = 2 x 2 + 10.5 x −1

dA
=
4 x − 10.5 x −2 =
0 for a maximum or minimum value
dx

10.5 10.5
i.e. =
4x i.e. =
x3 = 2.625 from which, x = 3 2.625 = 1.3795
x2 4

d2 A d2 A
= 4 + 21x −3 When x = 1.3795, is positive – hence a minimum value
d x2 d x2

10.5 10.5
Minimum or least area of metal = 2 x 2 + = 2(1.3795) 2 + = 11.42 m 2
x 1.3795

943 © 2014, John Bird

5. A closed cylindrical container has a surface area of 400 cm2. Determine the dimensions for

maximum volume.

Let the cylinder have radius r and perpendicular height h.

Volume of cylinder, V = πr2h

Surface area of cylinder, A = 2πrh + 2πr2 (1)

Maximum volume means a formula for the volume in terms of one variable only is required.

From equation (1), 400 = 2πrh + 2πr2 from which, 2πrh = 400 – 2πr2

400 − 2π r 2
and h= (2)
2π r

 400 − 2π r 2  r
Hence volume, V = πr2h = π r 2   = ( 400 − 2π r ) =200r − π r
2 3
 2π r  2

dV
= 200 – 3πr 2 = 0, for a turning point
dr

200 200
Hence, 200 = 3πr 2 and r 2 = and r = = 4.607 cm
3π 3π

d2 V d2 V
= –6πr. When r = 4.607 cm, is negative, giving a maximum value
d r2 d r2

400 − 2π (4.607) 2
From equation (2), when r = 4.607 cm, h = = 9.212 cm
2π (4.607)
Hence for the least surface area, a cylinder of surface area 400 cm2 has a radius of 4.607 cm and

height of 9.212 cm

6. Calculate the height of a cylinder of maximum volume that can be cut from a cone of height 20 cm

and base radius 80 cm.

A sketch of a cylinder within a cone is shown below. Cylinder volume, V = π r 2 h

944 © 2014, John Bird

A section is shown below

20 h 20(80 − r ) 80 − r r
By similar triangles, = from which, h = = = 20 −
80 80 − r 80 4 4

 r π r3
Hence, cylinder volume, V = π r 2  20 − =
 20π r 2 −
 4 4
dV 3π r 2
= 40π r − = 0 for a maximum or minimum value
dr 4
3π r 2 3r 160
i.e. =40π r =
i.e. 40 = and r
4 4 3
d2 V 6π r 160 d 2 V
= 40π − When r = , is negative, hence a maximum value
dr 2 4 3 d r2
160
r 40
Hence, height of cylinder, h = 20 – =20 − 3 =20 − = 6.67 cm
4 4 3

7. The power developed in a resistor R by a battery of emf E and internal resistance r is given by
E2R
P= . Differentiate P with respect to R and show that the power is a maximum when
( R + r )2
R = r.

E2R d P ( R + r ) 2 ( E ) 2 − E 2 R(2)( R + r )
P == hence = 0 for a maximum value
(R + r) ( R + r )4
2
dR

Thus, E 2 [( R + r )2 − 2 R( R + r )] =
0

945 © 2014, John Bird

i.e. R 2 + 2 Rr + r 2 − 2 R 2 − 2 Rr =
0

i.e. r 2 − R2 =
0

and R=r

d P E 2 [r 2 − R2 ] d 2 P ( R + r ) 4 E 2 [ −2 R ] − E 2 [ r 2 − R 2 ] 4( R + r )3
= and =
dR ( R + r )4 d R2 ( R + r )8

d2 P
When R = r, is negative, hence power is a maximum when R = r
d R2

8. Find the height and radius of a closed cylinder of volume 125 cm3 which has the least surface area.

Let the cylinder have radius r and perpendicular height h

Volume of cylinder, V = πr2h = 125 (1)

Surface area of cylinder, A = 2πrh + 2πr2

Least surface area means minimum surface area and a formula for the surface area

in terms of one variable only is required

125
From equation (1), h = (2)
π r2

 125  250
Hence surface area, A = 2πr   + 2πr =
2
+ 2πr2 = 250r–1 + 2πr2
πr 
2 r

d A − 250
= + 4πr = 0, for a turning point
dr r2

250 250  250 

Hence, 4πr = and r3 = , from which, r = 3
  = 2.71 cm
r 2 4π  4π 

d2 A 500 d2 A
= + 4π. When r = 2.71 cm, is positive, giving a minimum value
d r2 r3 d r2
125
From equation (2), when r = 2.71 cm, h = = 5.42 cm
π (2.71) 2

Hence for the least surface area, a cylinder of volume 125 cm3 has a radius of 2.71 cm and

height of 5.42 cm

946 © 2014, John Bird

 5
9. Resistance to motion, F, of a moving vehicle, is given by: F = + 100x. Determine the minimum
x
value of resistance.

5
F= + 100x = 5 x −1 + 100 x
x

dF 5
=
−5 x −2 + 100 =
− + 100 =
0 for a maximum or minimum value
dx x2

5 5
i.e. 100 = and =
x2 = 0.05 and =x = 0.2236
0.05
x2 100

d2 F 10
= 10 =
x −3 which is positive when x = 0.2236, hence x = 0.2236 gives a minimum value of
dx 2 x3
resistance

5 5
Minimum resistance to motion, F = + 100x = + 100(0.2236) = 44.72
x 0.2236

10. An electrical voltage E is given by: E = (15 sin 50πt + 40 cos 50πt) volts, where t is the time in

seconds. Determine the maximum value of voltage.

E = (15 sin 50πt + 40 cos 50πt)

dE
= (15)(50π cos 50π t ) + (40)(−50=
π sin 50π t ) 0 for a maximum or minimum value
dt

i.e. 750π cos 50π t − 2000π sin 50π t =

0 i.e. 750π cos 50π t = 2000π sin 50π t

750π sin 50π t

i.e. = i.e. 0.375 = tan 50πt
2000π cos 50π t
0.35877
from which, 50π t tan
= = −1 0.375 0.35877 and t= = 2.284 ×10−3
50π
d2 E
−(750π )(50π sin 50π t ) − (2000π )(50π cos 50π t ) which is negative when t = 2.284 ×10−3 ,
=
d t2

hence t = 2.284 ×10−3 gives a maximum voltage

Maximum voltage, E = 15 sin[50π(2.284 ×10−3 )] + 40 cos[50π(2.284 ×10−3 )]

= 5.267 + 37.453 = 42.72 volts

947 © 2014, John Bird

11. The fuel economy E of a car, in miles per gallon, is given by:

E = 21 + 2.10 ×10−2 v 2 − 3.80 ×10−6 v 4

where v is the speed of the car in miles per hour.

Determine, correct to 3 significant figures, the most economical fuel consumption, and the

speed at which it is achieved.

E = 21 + 2.10 ×10−2 v 2 − 3.80 ×10−6 v 4

dE
=4.20 ×10−2 v − 4(3.80) ×10−6 v3 =0 for a maximum (most economical fuel consumption).
dv

i.e. 4.20 ×10−2 v= 4(3.80) ×10−6 v 3

4.20 ×10−2
i.e. =v2 = 2763.158
4(3.80) ×10−6

from which, speed, v = 2763.158 = 52.6 mph

d2 E d2 E
= 4.20 ×10−2 − 12(3.80) ×10−6 v 2 and when v = 52.6, is negative, hence v is the
dv 2 d v2

maximum speed

Maximum fuel economy, E = 21 + 2.10 ×10−2 v 2 − 3.80 ×10−6 v 4

= 21 + 2.10 ×10−2 (52.6) 2 − 3.80 × 10−6 (52.6) 4

= 50.0 miles/gallon

12. The horizontal range of a projectile x launched with velocity u at an angle θ to the horizontal

2u 2 sin θ cos θ
is given by: x = . To achieve maximum horizontal range, determine the angle
g

the projectile should be launched at.

2u 2 sin θ cos θ u 2
x = sin 2θ since 2 sin θ cos θ = 2 sin 2θ
g g

d x  u2 
Hence, =   ( 2 cos 2θ ) = 0 for a turning point
dθ  g 

948 © 2014, John Bird

 i.e. cos 2θ = 0 from which, 2θ = cos −1 0 = 90° and θ = 90°/2 = 45°

d2 x  u2  d2 x
=   ( −4sin 2θ ) and when θ = 45°, is negative – hence maximum range
dθ 2  g  dθ 2

Hence, to achieve maximum horizontal range, the angle the projectile should be launched at is 45°

1
13. The signalling range x of a submarine cable is given by the formula: x = r 2 ln   where r is
r
the ratio of the radii of the conductor and cable. Determine the value of r for maximum range.

1
Range of cable, x = r 2 ln  
r
 
dx  −r −2    1  
= ( r 2 )  1  +  ln    ( 2r ) by the product rule
dR     r 
 r 

 −r  1 1
= ( r 2 )   + 2r ln   = −r + 2r ln   = 0 for a maximum/minimum value
r 
2
r r

1 1 1 1 1
−
1
i.e. 2r ln   = r i.e. ln   = and = e2 i.e. r = e 2
r r 2 r

 
d2 x  −r −2    1   1
=−1 + (2r )   +  ln    ( 2 ) =−1 − 2 + 2 ln  
   r  r
d r2 1

 r 

1 d2 x
−
When r = e 2 , is negative, hence a maximum range
d r2
1
−
Hence, for maximum range, r = e 2 = 0.607

949 © 2014, John Bird

EXERCISE 234 Page 637

1 3 1 2 1
1. Find the points of inflexion (if any) on the graph of the function y = x − x − 2x +
3 2 12

1 3 1 2 1 dy d2 y
(i) Given y = x − x − 2x + , = x 2 − x − 2 and = 2x – 1
3 2 12 d x and d x2
d2 y 1
(ii) Solving the equation = 0 gives: 2x – 1 = 0 from which, 2x = 1 and x =
d x2 2
1
Hence, if there is a point of inflexion, it occurs at x =
2
1 d2 y
(iii) Taking a value just less than , say, 0.4: = 2x – 1 = 2(0.4) – 1, which is negative
2 d x2
1 d2 y
Taking a value just greater than , say, 0.6: = 2x – 1 = 2(0.6) – 1, which is positive
2 d x2
1
(iv) Since a change of sign has occurred a point of inflexion exists at x =
2
3 2
1 11 11 1 1
When x = , y =   −   − 2  + =1
2 3 2 2 2  2  12
1 
i.e. a point of inflexion occurs at the coordinates  ,1
2 

5
2. Find the points of inflexion (if any) on the graph of the function y = 4 x3 + 3 x 2 − 18 x −
8

5 dy d2 y
(i) Given y = 4 x3 + 3 x 2 − 18 x − , = 12 x 2 + 6 x − 18 and = 24x + 6
8 d x and d x2
d2 y 1
(ii) Solving the equation = 0 gives: 24x + 6 = 0 from which, 24x = –6 and x = −
dx 2 4
1
Hence, if there is a point of inflexion, it occurs at x = −
4
1 d2 y
(iii) Taking a value just less than − , say, –0.3: = 24x + 6 = 24(–0.3) + 6, which is negative
4 d x2
1 d2 y
Taking a value just greater than − , say, –0.2: = 24x + 6 = 24(– 0.2) + 6, which is
4 d x2
positive

950 © 2014, John Bird

 1
(iv) Since a change of sign has occurred a point of inflexion exists at x = −
4
3 2
1  1  1  1 5
When x = − , y = 4  −  + 3  −  − 18  −  − = 4
4  4  4  4 8
 1 
i.e. a point of inflexion occurs at the coordinates  − , 4 
 4 

3. Find the point(s) of inflexion on the graph of the function y= x + sin x for 0 〈 x 〈 2π

dy d2 y
(i) Given y= x + sin x , = 1 + cos x and = – sin x
d x and d x2
d2 y
(ii) Solving the equation = 0 gives: – sin x = 0 from which, x = sin −1 0 and x = π
d x2
Hence, if there is a point of inflexion, it occurs at x = π
d2 y
(iii) Taking a value just less than π, say, 3: = – sin 3, which is negative
d x2
d2 y
Taking a value just greater than π, say, 3.2: = – sin 3.2, which is positive
d x2
(iv) Since a change of sign has occurred a point of inflexion exists at x = π

When x = π, y = π + sin π = π

i.e. a point of inflexion occurs at the coordinates (π , π )

4. Find the point(s) of inflexion on the graph of the function y = 3 x 3 − 27 x 2 + 15 x + 17

dy d2 y
(i) Given y = 3 x 3 − 27 x 2 + 15 x + 17 , = 9 x 2 − 54 x + 15 and = 18x – 54
d x and d x2

d2 y
(ii) Solving the equation = 0 gives: 18x – 54 = 0 from which, 18x = 54 and x = 3
d x2

Hence, if there is a point of inflexion, it occurs at x = 3

d2 y
(iii) Taking a value just less than 3, say, 2.9: = 18x – 54 = 18(2.9) – 54, which is negative
d x2
d2 y
Taking a value just greater than 3, say, 3.1: = 18x – 54 = 18(3.1) – 54, which is positive
d x2
(iv) Since a change of sign has occurred a point of inflexion exists at x = 3

951 © 2014, John Bird

 When x =3, y = 3(3)3 − 27(3) 2 + 15(3) + 17 = –100

i.e. a point of inflexion occurs at the coordinates ( 3, −100 )

5. Find the point(s) of inflexion on the graph of the function y = 2 x e − x

dy
(i) Given y = 2 x e − x , = (2 x) ( − e − x ) + ( e − x ) (2)= 2 e − x (1 − x)
d x and

d2 y
and = ( 2 e − x )( −1) + (1 − x )( −2 e − x ) =−2 e − x − 2 e − x + 2 x e − x =2 e − x ( x − 2)
d x2
d2 y
(ii) Solving the equation = 0 gives: 2 e − x ( x − 2) = 0
d x2

from which, 2 e − x = 0 (which is indeterminate) or (x – 2) = 0 from which, x = 2

Hence, if there is a point of inflexion, it occurs at x = 2

d2 y
(iii) Taking a value just less than 2, say, 1.9: = 2 e − x ( x − 2) = 2 e −1.9 (1.9 − 2) , which is
d x2
negative
d2 y
Taking a value just greater than 2, say, 2.1: = 2 e − x ( x − 2) = 2 e − 2.1 (2.1 − 2) , which is
d x2
positive
(iv) Since a change of sign has occurred a point of inflexion exists at x = 2

When x = =
2, y 2=
x e − x 2(2) e − 2 = 0.541

i.e. a point of inflexion occurs at the coordinates ( 2, 0.541)

6. The displacement s of a particle is given by: s = 3t 3 − 9t 2 + 10 . Determine the maximum,

minimum and point of inflexion of s.

ds d2 s
(i) Given s = 3t 3 − 9t 2 + 10 , = 9t 2 − 18t and = 18t – 18
dt d t2
d2 s
(ii) Solving the equation = 0 gives: 18t – 18 = 0 from which, 18t =18 and t = 1
d t2

Hence, if there is a point of inflexion, it occurs at t = 1

952 © 2014, John Bird

 d2 s
(iii) Taking a value just less than 1, say, 0.9: = 18t – 18 = 18(0.9) – 18, which is negative
d t2

d2 s
Taking a value just greater than 1, say, 1.1: = 18t – 18 = 18(1.1) – 18, which is positive
d t2

(iv) Since a change of sign has occurred a point of inflexion exists at x = 1

When x = 1, s = 3(1)3 − 9(1) 2 + 10 = 4

i.e. a point of inflexion occurs at the coordinates (1, 4)

ds
From above, = 9t 2 − 18t =
0 for a turning point
dt

i.e. 9t (t − 2) =
0 from which, 9t = 0 or (t – 2) = 0

i.e. t = 0 or t = 2

Since s = 3t 3 − 9t 2 + 10 , then when t = 0, s = 10

and when t = 2, s = 3(2)3 − 9(2) 2 + 10 = –2

Hence, there are turning points at (0, 10) and at (2, –2)

d2 s d2 s
Since = 18t – 18, when x = 0, = 18(0) – 18 which is negative – hence a maximum point
d t2 d t2

d2 s
and when x = 2, = 18(2) – 18 which is positive – hence a minimum point
d t2

Thus, (0, 10) is a maximum point and (2, –2) is a minimum point

953 © 2014, John Bird

EXERCISE 235 Page 639

1. Find (a) the equation of the tangent, and (b) the equation of the normal, for the curve:

y = 2x2 at the point (1, 2)

dy
(a) y = 2x 2 Gradient, m = = 4x
dx
At the point (1, 2), x = 1, hence, m = 4(1) = 4

Equation of tangent is: y − y1 = m( x − x1 )

i.e. y – 2 = 4(x – 1)

i.e. y – 2 = 4x – 4

and y = 4x – 2

1
(b) Equation of normal is: y − y1 =− ( x − x1 )
m
1
i.e. y − 2 =− ( x − 1)
4
i.e. 4(y – 2) = – x + 1

i.e. 4y – 8 = – x + 1

and 4y + x = 9

2. Find (a) the equation of the tangent, and (b) the equation of the normal, for the curve:

y = 3x2 – 2x at the point (2, 8)

dy
(a) y = 3 x 2 − 2 x Gradient, m = = 6x − 2
dx
At the point (2, 8), x = 2, hence, m = 6(2) – 2 = 10

Equation of tangent is: y − y1 = m( x − x1 )

i.e. y – 8 = 10(x – 2)

i.e. y – 8 = 10x – 20

and y = 10x – 12

954 © 2014, John Bird

 1
(b) Equation of normal is: y − y1 =− ( x − x1 )
m
1
i.e. y − 8 =− ( x − 2)
10
i.e. 10(y – 8) = – x + 2

i.e. 10y – 80 = – x + 2

and 10y + x = 82

3. Find (a) the equation of the tangent, and (b) the equation of the normal, for the curve:

x3 1
y= at the point (–1, – )
2 2

x3 dy 3 2
(a) y = Gradient, m = = x
2 dx 2

1 3 3
At the point (–1, – ), x = –1, hence, m = (−1) 2 =
2 2 2

Equation of tangent is: y − y1 = m( x − x1 )

1 3
i.e. y–– = (x – –1)
2 2

1 3
i.e. y+ = (x + 1)
2 2

i.e. 2y + 1 = 3(x + 1)

i.e. 2y + 1 = 3x + 3

i.e. 2y = 3x + 2

3
or y= x+1
2

1
(b) Equation of normal is: y − y1 =− ( x − x1 )
m
1 1
i.e. y–– = − (x – –1)
2 3
2

1 2
i.e. y+ = − (x + 1)
2 3
955 © 2014, John Bird
 i.e. 6y + 3 = – 4(x + 1)

i.e. 6y + 3 = – 4x – 4

and 6y + 4x + 7 = 0

4. Find (a) the equation of the tangent, and (b) the equation of the normal, for the curve:

y = 1 + x – x2 at the point (–2, –5)

dy
(a) y = 1 + x − x 2 Gradient, m = = 1− 2x
dx
At the point (–2, –5), x = –2, hence, m = 1 – 2(–2) = 5

Equation of tangent is: y − y1 = m( x − x1 )

i.e. y – (–5) = 5(x – –2)

i.e. y + 5 = 5x + 10

and y = 5x + 5

1
(b) Equation of normal is: y − y1 =− ( x − x1 )
m
1
i.e. y − −5 = − ( x − −2)
5
i.e. 5(y + 5) = –x – 2

i.e. 5y + 25 = –x – 2

and 5y + x + 27 = 0

5. Find (a) the equation of the tangent, and (b) the equation of the normal, for the curve:

1 1
θ= at the point (3, )
t 3

1 −1 dθ 1
(a) θ= = t Gradient, m = =
−t −2 =
−
t dt t2
 1 1 1
At the point  3,  , t = 3, hence, m = − = −
 3 32 9
Equation of tangent is: θ − θ1 = m(t − t1 )

956 © 2014, John Bird

 1 1
i.e. θ− =− (t − 3)
3 9
i.e. 9θ – 3 = –t + 3

and 9θ + t = 6

1
(b) Equation of normal is: θ − θ1 =− (t − t1 )
m
1 1
i.e. θ− =− (t − 3)
3  1
− 
 9
1
i.e. θ − = 9(t − 3)
3
1
i.e. θ − = 9t − 27
3
2
and θ= 9t − 26 or 3θ = 27t – 80
3

957 © 2014, John Bird

EXERCISE 236 Page 640

5
1. Determine the change in y if x changes from 2.50 to 2.51 when (a) y = 2x – x2 (b) y =
x

dy
(a) y = 2x – x2 and = 2 – 2x
dx
dy
Approximate change in y, δy ≈ .δx ≈ (2 – 2x)δx
dx

When x = 2.50 and δx = 2.51 – 2.50 = 0.01, δy ≈ [2 – 2(2.50)](0.01) ≈ –0.03

5 dy 5
(b) y = = 5x −1 and = −5x −2 =
−
x dx x2
dy  5 
Approximate change in y, δy ≈ .δx ≈  − 2  δx
dx  x 

 5 
When x = 2.50 and δx = 2.51 – 2.50 = 0.01, δy ≈  −  (0.01) ≈ –0.008
 2.502 

2. The pressure p and volume v of a mass of gas are related by the equation pv = 50. If the pressure

increases from 25.0 to 25.4, determine the approximate change in the volume of the gas. Find also

the percentage change in the volume of the gas.

50 dv 50
pv = 50 i.e. v= = 50 p −1 and =
−50 p −2 =
−
p dp p2

dv  50   50 
Approximate change in volume, δ v ≈ ⋅ δ p =−
  (25.4 − 25.0) =−
  (0.4) =–0.032
dp  p 
2
 25.02 
−0.032 −3.2 −3.2
Percentage change in volume = ×100% = = = –1.6%
50 50 2
p 25.0

3. Determine the approximate increase in (a) the volume and (b) the surface area of a cube of side

x cm if x increases from 20.0 cm to 20.05 cm.

dV
(a) Volume of cube, V = x3 and = 3x 2
dx

958 © 2014, John Bird

 dV
Approximate change in volume, δV ≈ .δx ≈ ( 3x 2 )δx
dx

When x = 20.0 and δx = 20.05 – 20.0 = 0.05, δV ≈ [ 3(20.0) 2 ](0.05) ≈ 60 cm3

dS
(b) Surface area of cube, S = 6 x 2 and = 12 x
dx

dS
Approximate change in surface area, δS ≈ .δx ≈ (12x)δx
dx

When x = 20.0 and δx = 20.05 – 20.0 = 0.05, δS ≈ [12(20.0)](0.05) ≈ 12 cm 2

4. The radius of a sphere decreases from 6.0 cm to 5.96 cm. Determine the approximate change in

(a) the surface area and (b) the volume.

dA
(a) Surface area of sphere, A = 4π r 2 and = 8π r
dr
dA
Approximate change in surface area, δ A ≈ ⋅δ r
= (8π r ) (6.0 − 5.96)
= 8π (6.0)(−0.04)
dr
= –6.03 cm 2
4 3 dV
(b) Volume of sphere, V = πr and = 4π r 2
3 dr
dV
Approximate change in volume, δ V ≈ δr
⋅= ( 4π r 2 ) (−0.04)
= 4π (6.0) 2 (−0.04) = –18.10 cm3
dr

pπ r4
5. The rate of flow of a liquid through a tube is given by Poiseuilles’s equation as: Q =
8η L
where Q is the rate of flow, p is the pressure difference between the ends of the tube, r is the

radius of the tube, L is the length of the tube and η is the coefficient of viscosity of the liquid. η

is obtained by measuring Q, p, r and L. If Q can be measured accurate to ±0.5%, p accurate to

±3%, r accurate to ±2% and L accurate to ±1%, calculate the maximum possible percentage error

in the value of η.

pπ r4 pπ r4
Q= from which, η=
8η L 8 LQ

959 © 2014, John Bird

 dη  pπ r 4   pπ r 4 
δη ≈ ⋅ δ Q =−
  (±0.005Q) =  (±0.005)
dQ  8 LQ 2   8 LQ 
dη  π r4   pπ r 4 
δη ≈ δp 
⋅=  ( ± =
0.03 p )   (±0.03)
dp  8 LQ   8 LQ 
dη  4 pπ r 3   pπ r 4 
δη ≈ =⋅δ r   ( ± =
0.02 r )   (±0.08)
dr  8 LQ   8 LQ 
dη  − pπ r 4   pπ r 4 
δη ≈ ⋅δ L 
=  (±0.01
= L)   (±0.01)
dL  8 L2Q   8 LQ 
Maximum possible percentage error ≈ 0.5% + 3% + 8% + 1% = 12.5%

960 © 2014, John Bird